DIY Creepy Ice Bucket

Trisha Sprouse

For a bone-chilling centerpiece, make a creepy ice bucket to keep your wine or spirits extra cold this Halloween. Guests will be grossed out (in a good way) when they catch sight of what lurks inside. Have no fear, it's dead-easy to make and sets the scene for a spooky soiree never to forget. You can easily adapt it to your own party theme, such as zombies, vampires, or murder mystery (and you can even tailor it for other seasons, too). Display your creepiest bottle of booze or other beverage, and partygoers will stay refreshed all night long.

Things You'll Need

Tip

While distilled water is not necessary to make this ice bucket, it will result in a clearer ice than regular tap water.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 1

Since most objects placed in water will float to the top, we'll be building this ice bucket in three layers. This will ensure you can display lots of creepy items throughout the entire bucket. First, fill a 2-gallon plastic bucket with 2 inches of distilled water, and then add an assortment of creepy items to the water. The closer items are to the edge of the bucket, the easier you will be able to see them through the ice. Place the bucket in the freezer for several hours or overnight.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 2

Remove the bucket from the freezer and place the smaller bucket inside the larger one. Place a hand weight, brick or rocks inside the smaller bucket to weigh it down (we used a 5-pound hand weight).

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 3

Fill the empty space in between the two buckets with more creepy items, positioning them so they face outward. Then add more water to the space between the buckets, just enough to fill it up about halfway. Freeze for several hours or overnight.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 4

Remove the bucket from the freezer and fill the remaining empty space between the two buckets with more creepy items. Fill the bucket with water, but leave the water level slightly lower than the very top items, so that some of them will appear to be coming out of the ice when they freeze. Freeze for several hours or overnight.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 5

Once the final layer is frozen, remove the weight/rock and pour cold water into the smaller bucket. Wait a few minutes, and then carefully slide the smaller bucket out of the larger one. Note: Do not use warm or hot water, as the temperature difference could crack the ice.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 6

Place the larger bucket in the sink and run cold water along the sides of it.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

After a few minutes, the ice bucket should slide right out of the plastic bucket. Be careful when removing it, as you don't want it to crack.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Step 7

Line a large plate or platter with a towel to absorb the ice as it melts. Place the ice bucket on top of the towel and decorate the base of the plate with fake bones or other creepy items.

(Image: Trisha Sprouse)

Put your best bottle on ice and prepare for the squeals. As long as you keep the ice bucket away from direct sunlight or heat, it'll creep out your guests for the entire party.